Popular Plaza, known as Banex Plaza, a hub for electronics and telecommunications gadgets in Abuja, remains tightly sealed with soldiers guarding the area.
During a visit on Monday morning, our correspondent observed a heavy military presence throughout the plaza. Traders who had gathered at a distance from the plaza eventually dispersed after waiting for hours.
While none of the traders agreed to speak with our correspondents, they were overheard expressing concerns about the financial implications of the plaza being closed on a busy day like Monday.
The turmoil ensued when a group of thugs attacked soldiers following a minor altercation between a trader and the military personnel. Allegedly, the trader had sold a faulty phone to a customer who then sought assistance from the soldiers. Instead of resolving the issue peacefully, the trader called in thugs who assaulted the soldiers.
Several soldiers and a civilian were reportedly targeted by the thugs, who struck them with blows and kicks. Despite police intervention, soldiers later arrived at the plaza, prompting traders to shut down their shops immediately.
Social media videos captured soldiers dispersing crowds and disciplining individuals.
As of Monday morning, military vehicles were stationed at various points within Banex Plaza, while troops patrolled the area in Wuse 2, Abuja.